Alaska Ferry Returns to Service EarlyWednesday, May 01, 2019

The originally scheduled M/VTustumena voyages will begin again May 18, 2019

Ferry Sells for 210,000.00Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Ferry Price Jumps $90,000

In the final 45 minutes of the online auction, the BC Ferry Howe Sound Queen realized a sold price of $210,000.00.

A bidding war between prospective buyers saw
the price of the ferry jump by nearly $90,000 in the final 45 minutes.

Scheduled to retire 01 June 2019, the 74m long Howe Sound Queen ( capacity 300 passengers & 52 cars), was built in 1964 in Sorel Quebec. She served the Bowen Island-HorseShoe Bay ferry route until 1992 and is currently serving the Crofton - Vesuvius ferry route.

As a result of the high winds experienced on Saturday 26 April welding repairs to the
rubbing strake on the side of the Spirit ship have caused the ferry to be out of service for approximately 10 days.

While the strake damage, which is the ferry equivalent of a damaged vehicle fender is being repaired, BC Ferries have moved the Coastal Renaissance from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen and additional sailings
have been added to the Queen of New Westminster ferry, to better accommodate passengers.

BC Ferries has committed to increasing service to its coastal communities and Islands

Commencing 01 April, 2019 ferry service will increase through the addition of some 2,700 sailings.

In an effort to serve the needs of Islanders and the BC coastal communities, the BC Ferry corporation will reinstate most of the sailing cuts made on 10 routes in 2014 .

April 01, 2019 The following routes will see increased ferry service:

Earls Cove – Saltery Bay

Horseshoe Bay – Bowen Island

Port Hardy – Mid-Coast – Prince Rupert

Haida Gwaii – Prince Rupert

Powell River – Texada Island

Campbell River – Quadra Island

Quadra Island – Cortes Island

May 01, 2019 Increased ferry service will commence between:

Crofton & Vesuvius

Once new crews are hired later in the year, increased ferry service for the following ports will be announced & implimented.

Port Hardy & Prince Rupert

Skidegate & Allford Bay

Ferry Delay: Horseshoe Bay to LangdaleTuesday, March 26, 2019

Queen of Surrey Experienced Docking Issues

Expect delays in the Vancouver - Sunshine Coast ferry schedules as a result of docking issues suffered by the Queen of Surrey at the terminal near Gibsons this morning.

A tugboat is on the way to help the ferry which is currently caught on a berthing pontoon.

A schedule update can be secured by calling BC Ferries at 888-223-3779 however the next expected sailing from Langdale is at 6:40 p.m. PT.

Ferry Bust or Boom ?Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Alaska Ferry Service Debate

As the Alaska State Legislature grapples with their transportation budget & decides whether or not to abandon the Bellingham WA - Alaska ferry route as they restructure their system, it might be asked whether this would provide a revenue generating opportunity for both British Columbia and for the BC Ferry Corporation ?

With Vancouvers' Tsawwassen Terminal only some 20-25 minutes north of Bellingham, a BC ferry offering service between Vancouver & Prince Rupert would enable travellers to still enjoy the beauty of the coast; to enjoy the trip in Canadian dollars, and to avoid the long drive alternative. The 5 hr Alaska ferry from Prince Rupert to Ketchican, would enable visitors seeking access to the State to still enjoy a ferry route that should include the islands of Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka & Juneau before reaching Haines - where the Alcan Hwy provides access to the rest of Alaska

The downside of this thought is the knowledge that to enter Canada, any US citizen travelling to Alaska via Vancouver would need to carry a valid passport and must not be a convicted felon. ( DUI's are considered a felony in Canada)Too, transporting weapons could be an issue as neither handguns nor automatic / semi-automatic weapons are allowed into Canada.

Currently it is estimated that some 30,000 passengers a year use the Alaska ferry system to travel between Washington & Alaska: a number that brings with it serious dollars for any community.

BC Ferries Building SpreeThursday, March 14, 2019

Five New Ferries Planned for the BC Ferry Corporation

Designed to add capacity to the popular Vancouver –
Vancouver Island routes, the new BC ferries are planned to replace the aging Queen of New Westminster, Queen
of Alberni, Queen of Coquitlam & Queen of Cowichan vessels.

With a focus on working toward keeping fares affordable, to reducing the environmental impact of the vessels, to planning for flexibility to meet changing future demands and, to enhancing the passengers' onboard experience, BC Ferries expects the new ferries to start arriving in 2020

Alaska Ferry System Schedule Debate ContinuesThursday, March 14, 2019

Alaska Ferry Schedules for Winter 2019

The State legislature continues to debate both the frequency of and ports to be served by, the Alaska Marine ferries during the winter season ( Oct 2019 -March 2020).

A combination of budget cuts and ferries requiring longer than expected drydock time continues to plague the system.

The Alaska ferry system has struggled over the years to provide confirmed schedules far enough in advance to satisfy travel agents, tour group operators & independent travellers trying to secure Alaska ferry reservations as they make summer plans to explore the State.

Alaska Ferry M/V Lituya Revised sailingsFriday, February 01, 2019

Additional Ferry Sailings Between Annette Bay & Ketchikan.

The M/V Lituya will now leave Annette Bay on Monday, February 11, 2019 & return from Ketchikan early on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
Regular scheduled ferry service will resume on Thursday February 14, 2019 at 9am , upon leaving Annette Bay.

Alaska Ferry CancelledFriday, February 01, 2019

Shipyard Delays Cause Alaska Ferry Cancellations

Sailings for the MV Aurora will be cancelled 07 February through 15 February.
It is anticipated that a return to regular service will commence on 17 February

Hand guns and automatic weapons are Illegal in CanadaThursday, January 31, 2019

Ferry Passengers Entering Alaska from the Lower 48 Be Aware.

Travellers going to, or passing through Canada, should be aware that both hand guns & automatic weapons are not allowed into the country and may be subject to confiscation.
Also refused entry into the country is anyone with a felony charge.
In Canada a DUI conviction is considered a felony.

Summer Bookings on the Alaska FerriesThursday, January 31, 2019

Alaska Ferry Space Sells Out Quickly

If thinking about travelling in Alaska this summer, it would be wise to book before May so that you can secure the vehicle and cabin space you think you will need.

Remember that if transporting weapons in your vehicle, you may want to avoid travel through Canada as hand guns and automatic / semi automatic weapons are not legal in Canada and will likely be confiscated.
When entering Alaska from the Lower 48, the only way to avoid going through Canada is either by air, or by using the cross-gulf ferry to Whittier, Homer or Valdez. (See the Alaska route map on ferrytravel.com
Driving the Alcan highway is not an option for anyone with either weapons or a DUI because it does not avoid a quick entry into Canada.

With only 10 sailings in either directions each year, summer ferry space to Whittier is usually sold out before April.

(Whittier ferry service is only 2x per month beginning in April & ending in September)

To secure ferry reservations call either 1-800-686-0446, or for faster service Click Here, to book easily & securely online.

Alaska Ferry Cabins Selling OutTuesday, January 29, 2019

Bellingham - Whittier Cabins

Cabins on the Bellingham - Whittier summer crossings are beginning to get tight.
If planning this 5 day Alaska trip from Bellingham be sure to confirm your reservations as soon as you know your intended dates.
Reminder: The cross-gulf ferry only travels to Whittier 2x per month and only the 4 Berth cabins have a private sink, shower and toilet.
All 2 berth cabins share washroom facilities down the hall.

More Alaska Ferry CancellationsFriday, January 25, 2019

MV Kennicott Service Suffers Drydock Delay

Sailings scheduled between March 21 thru April 3, 2019 on the MV Kennicott are now canceled.
Alaska Marine anticipates the Kennicott will resume regular ferry service from Ketchikan to Bellingham commencing April 4, 2019.

Alaska Ferry Cancellations Due to Mechanical IssuesFriday, January 25, 2019

Alaska Ferry Cancellations

Due to a mechanical issue, the M/V Aurora has cancelled her Sunday, January 27, 2019 sailings.
Ferry service is however expected to resume service on Monday, January 28, 2019, so as to accommodate student sports teams returning home to Valdez early that day.

Valentines Ferry Info and Reservations.Wednesday, January 09, 2019

Celebrate Valentines Day in Victoria on the Seattle Ferry.

If thinking of a special Valentines Day surprise, consider a "mini-cruise" from Seattle to Victoria BC.
The crocus and daffodils are starting to appear and with the US to Canadian dollar at an exchange rate of about $1.30 Canadian, buying anything is a bargain for US visitors.But don't delay

Valentines Day packages (guaranteed to provide the lowest ferry/hotel fares) are selling quickly and many of the Victoria downtown hotels are already getting tight on space.